Rising to the Problem
Milan
A New Skyline
Even though Italy is currently facing economic problems it hasn’t stopped them from trying to lead the field in an ecological first: A forest in the sky.
Two skyscrapers planned to be built, will be home to 730 trees, 5000 shrubs and 11,000 ground plants.
The tallest of the trees will reach a height of 30 ft and the whole project will result in plants equaling a hectare of forest.
Those leading the project say that the “forest in the sky” will absorb CO2 and at the same time provide natural shade, reducing the costs of cooling for the buildings.
The project will also include producing wind and solar energy as well as enhancing recycling techniques.
- Solution to Greenhouse Effect
The problem of the greenhouse effects can only be solved with global co-operation, but how? This suggests one solution that could also rectify some inequalities in the world.
Roots
A few skeptics have pointed out that they do not believe that this is a good idea. Mainly due to the fact, that it is well known that roots of plants are capable of breaking up concrete whilst growing. If this were the case then the structural integrity of the building could be compromised during the growth of the trees.
This though, I am sure both the designers and the team of horticulturists who have been employed to look after the plants, have already taken into consideration and made proper compensations.
I believe this is a good idea and if successful could start to change the skylines of not just Milan but other cities around the world.
As the population of the world reaches 7 billion and continues to increase in an ever accelerating rate, with the accompanying growth of urban areas, it is necessary to try and find ways to compensate for the equaling decrease in vegetation.
Although this may be an original idea, it is still only one small step. It will take many of these small steps to combat the pollutions of an increasing mass of humanity.
It is refreshing to see that, even in an economically trying time for Italy, there are still those with the vision and faith to try and make a difference.
- Reduce Global Warming by rafken
Global warming is a growing problem. Should we turn to the Oceans to look for a solution? Could seaweed be the the answer to our problem? - Going Green, Responsibly.
In an effort to save forests and the environment, people are turning more and more to the use of plastics. These too though, create their own environmental problems. Here are examples of how we maybe able to help responsibly. - Turning Plastic Back to Oil
People turned to plastic to try and save the forests but it takes 1000 years for plastic to bio-degrade. Could a new process that changes plastic back to oil be the answer? - Global Warming Could Power the Future
The idea for solar towers has been around for 100 years. Now that global warming will make them more efficient, will they become a reality? - Could Renewable Energy Destroy the World?
With everybody searching for new sources of fuel, has anybody thought about the possible consequences of finding it? - So, You Think Our Cities are Modern?
We consider new cities to be modern. Are they really new ideas or are they actually 4000 years old?
